AGB 4DL battery replacement

[spadaforaj]

Hi - I have two Lifeline GPL4DL batteries in my Hunter 41 from 2004, seem to need replacement. I'm looking for more affordable replacements Any suggestions ? I have been looking at
Renogy Deep Cycle Agm Battery 12 Volt 200AH for RV, Solar, Marine, and Off-Grid Applications, Gray

Any suggestions appreciated

 

[Hello Below]

18 years? Unheard of. I think you have answered your own question in the 1st sentence of your post.

 

[Benny17441]

Your Batteries are top of the line and they are selling now for around $450 a piece. They have a large capacity and provide an excellent degree of reliability. Do you need all that capacity and reliability? Have seen many day sailors throw money away in oversize battery banks. The same for sailors that have a generator aboard. As far as quality the needs for reliability of a coastal sailor and an offshore cruiser vary widely. I will not recommend types and sizes for replacement batteries as I do not know your usage, your equipment and your charging options but I urge you to conduct an energy survey to determine your average power usage in a 24 hour period. This information together with your recharging capabilities will allow to properly size your battery bank. The rule of thumb is size your bank to fully cover 80% of your number of outings; the other 20% like a yearly outing or a one time trip you can make other arrangements or adjustments to cover. Consider a smaller capacity bank or less expensive types of batteries where reliability might not be a safety concern. Many coastal sailors rely in Tow Insurance coverage for ease of mind about reliability. 18 years is an impressive useful life even for GEL batteries but answer the question "do you intend to keep the boat for another 10 to 15 years?"

 

[Tally Ho]

You AGMs have served you well. If you really want to go cheaper, I bought 2 6-volt 215 AH Duracell GC batts from Sams Club… ~$100 each IIRC.

Seem to work great so far…and cost effective.



Greg

 

[Boomer2it]

I have been researching replacement batteries also. I currently have two 6v 205 amp hour batteries on the house side. Thinking about replacing them with two 12v 200amp agm deep cycle for 400amp hours banked (+/-) Besides cost my biggest concern is weight, each battery 128lbs. My battery area is under the quarter berth port side aft of nav station. Not sure I need 400 amps but I enjoy overnights at anchor. 200 watt solar panel setup to replenish.

 

[Benny17441]

I have been researching replacement batteries also. I currently have two 6v 205 amp hour batteries on the house side. Thinking about replacing them with two 12v 200amp agm deep cycle for 400amp hours banked (+/-) Besides cost my biggest concern is weight, each battery 128lbs. My battery area is under the quarter berth port side aft of nav station. Not sure I need 400 amps but I enjoy overnights at anchor. 200 watt solar panel setup to replenish.

I can sure understand you may want to increase the capacity of your house bank as a 205 Ah bank following the the 50% DOD recommendation only gives you 102 Amps of usable power between recharges. If you run refrigeration that may only give you enough battery safe usable power for a single overnight. It is not a matter of slapping larger capacity batteries but a matter of upgrading a whole system. The system that you are proposing may run you shy of $1,500. While it would double your current capacity it also has some draw backs besides the larger risk of the larger financial investment. Make sure you check the terms of the batteries warranty and familiarize yourself with the charging and maintenance requirements of the system from required charging voltages to solar panel locations and control. I know where your batteries are located so make sure you have adequate room for the larger size batteries and the added weight may give you a slight list to the port side. To make a better informed decision about the size of the bank capacity needed you need to conduct a power survey. Upgrading bank capacity sometimes requires upgrading alternators and chargers. So do your homework, determine your needs and budget the improvemnets necessary to service those needs.

 

[Boomer2it]

I can sure understand you may want to increase the capacity of your house bank as a 205 Ah bank following the the 50% DOD recommendation only gives you 102 Amps of usable power between recharges. If you run refrigeration that may only give you enough battery safe usable power for a single overnight. It is not a matter of slapping larger capacity batteries but a matter of upgrading a whole system. The system that you are proposing may run you shy of $1,500. While it would double your current capacity it also has some draw backs besides the larger risk of the larger financial investment. Make sure you check the terms of the batteries warranty and familiarize yourself with the charging and maintenance requirements of the system from required charging voltages to solar panel locations and control. I know where your batteries are located so make sure you have adequate room for the larger size batteries and the added weight may give you a slight list to the port side. To make a better informed decision about the size of the bank capacity needed you need to conduct a power survey. Upgrading bank capacity sometimes requires upgrading alternators and chargers. So do your homework, determine your needs and budget the improvemnets necessary to service those needs.

Thanks for the input,
I've been upgrading most everything on the electrical side with the exception of new 12v batteries on the house side. Engine has an upgraded 65 amp alternator, installed new solar charge controller, new wiring where needed and new ac/dc electrical panels and wiring. Two new 12v 200amp hour agm batteries currently $395, so yes it's an investment, but weight is more of a concern. Was thinking another option might be to get one new 12v 300amp agm battery, ($699 @170lbs)?